We keep hearing about how the tourist tax dip and state sales tax rebate negotiated between the Miami Dolphins and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez doesn’t stand a chance in Tallahassee, where it has to pass the legislature in order for the referendum votes — that start next week when absentee ballots hit the street Tuesday — to matter.
But with two weeks left in the session, it seems to be picking up steam.
The Senate bill version (SB 306) cleared the appropriations committee Thursday and is headed to the Senate floor, where one 305 Senator — who said he, personally, was still on the fence (pft!) — told Ladra that he predicted a tight approval, 21-19.
That might change things in the House, where it will be heard after voters start voting for it. No pressure.
The House bill sponsored by State Rep. Eddy Gonzalez (R-Hialeah) — which is different in that it includes a straight rebate for the Dolphins, not a pool of money for sports teams to compete for based on economic impact, in addition to the one cent increase (not additional) tourist tax on the mainland — has to go to one more committee before it goes to the full body. And, while reports are vaguely hinting that it is not on the front burner, Speaker Will Weatherford said he was waiting to see what the Senate did with that bill before deciding what to do with it.
So, if the Senate bill passes, that means the House bill may have a better chance.
Meanwhile, the campaign to woo voters has begun in earnest on the phones, anyway, and Ladra suspects in a mailbox near you soon, since ABs drop next week. And Norman Braman, the only vocal opponent who could fund an anti campaign that better get going already, is, apparently, praying.
Yoo hoo, Mr. Braman, call me. I think we’re going to have to get this party started.
Dolphins stadium financing alive; bill heads to Senate floor added by Ladra on
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